On Saturday February 22nd at the WOBC Band-A-Thon, there was no shortage of student acts to see performing around the town of Oberlin. But one memorable act you may have missed was the incredible folk quartet, Dovetale. Their early afternoon set at Firelands Association for the Visual Arts was the first time I’d gotten the chance to hear this relatively new Oberlin group perform. Their energetic stage presence (with no real stage) and infectious sound got me hooked on the potential of this band’s future.
Photo from FAVA Gallery site
Dovetale primarily features Marlena Hall and Zara Craig on fiddle, Abigail Goodman on Irish tin whistle and banjo, and Tyler Buckser-Schultz on acoustic guitar. Throughout they played a series of traditional Celtic tunes, with a fresh energy to them. Buckser-Shultz had an innate command of rhythm, driving the tempo with percussive guitar slaps while holding down the low end of the group. His strong incorporation of physicality and movement into every tune also served to make the set highly engaging.
Hall and Craig showed excellent chemistry as twin fiddlers. It felt as if they’d been jamming together forever, moving like two halves of one voice. Toe-tapping to the beat, their strong technical skill with this instrument appeared to be effortless. The presence of Goodman’s tin whistle added further depth to the bright fiddle melodies. It provided a sense of mysticism and wonder, especially in the more somber pieces. But she was truly able to shine in the songs that featured banjo. When all four musicians were playing stringed instruments, this small gallery room had a full sound. The acoustics of this unconventional venue resonated impeccably for them.
Earlier in their 30-minute set, Dovetale included a song with vocals sung by Hall, Craig, and Goodman — elevating the group to another level. I was left wondering if we’d get any more vocal focused-pieces. Just when I thought their time was almost up, the group ended with a gorgeous rendition of “Glory Bound.” This was the first time all four musicians sang together, paired up around two mics. Goodman and Buckser-Shultz’s vocals provided slightly more edge, while Hall and Craig had a smoother and lighter tone. This contrast in tones was perfectly well-rounded. It was the type of feel-good song that leaves you wishing you could listen to it on loop.
Although a good number of traditional folk songs are solely instrumental, it would be wonderful to see Dovetale lean more into full group vocals — even if it’s some simple humming and harmonizing. On the flip side, the repetitive instrumental tunes provided more space to move around, giving the performance a loose and fun feel. Dovetale plans to incorporate new instruments, as well as Irish dancing, into future performances. I have no doubt that they will be able to put on a unique show in whatever space they perform. This intimate Band-A-Thon gig proved they have the spirit to thrive in this community.
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